Blessing the Pets in Orland

Shaking, a little dog named Candy was brought up to Faith United Associate Pastor Melissa Meyers.

"Can you pray for her?" asked Alana Alkema from Orland Park. "She's got diabetes."

As Meyers placed her hand above Candy's head, the dog stopped shaking and became relaxed.

Faith United Methodist Church of Orland Park held it's first pet blessing on Saturday.

"I didn't know what to expect," said Senior Pastor Caleb Hong. "This is fantastic. Our worship team spent a lot of time organizing this. We did this because we wanted to be part of the community. Any way we can bless help or serve them that's what we want to do."

Hong and Meyers both blessed many dogs, a few cats and even a turtle. The family that brought the turtle told Pastor Hong they left their snake at home.

"The assistant pastor and I would have done rock paper scissors to bless that one," said Hong.

The church grilled up hot dogs and gave away lunch for free. Photos were also taken of their owners and pets while PAWS showed up and brought some pups that were available for adoption.

Jan Shaulis, a member of Faith United Methodist, brought her lab named Joey. After Hong prayed over Joey, Jan said to others around her, " I'm studying to be a pastor. I hope when I get my church my lab will be part of the congregation, because they are so healing for people."

Diane Alkema cried as she watched the family dog get prayed over by Meyers.

"This blessing means a lot," Diane said. "Candy was just diagnosed with diabetes and we had to put our other dog to sleep in December. I am so glad they had this here today."